The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, N.Y., faced an unexpected delay due to fog, halting play just 30 minutes after it began. Fourteen players had started their rounds, but none managed to score birdies before visibility issues forced officials to pause the game. After a two-hour delay, play resumed, marking the first fog-related delay at the U.S. Open since 2021 at Torrey Pines. The fog was so dense that players like James Nicholas couldn’t see the fairway, prompting officials to bring everyone back in. Despite the wide fairways, the poor visibility made it difficult to see the greens and landing areas. The course was prepared for strong winds, but the morning’s light breeze wasn’t enough to clear the fog. Top players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy were among those affected by the delay.
QUESTION: How might unexpected weather conditions impact the performance and mindset of athletes during a major competition?
US Open off to a slow and foggy start at Shinnecock Hills
